Baby Gear The 11 Best Baby Wraps and Slings of 2023 By Ashley Ziegler Ashley Ziegler LinkedIn Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. She has written for Romper, Moms.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process and Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 22, 2023 Medically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD Medically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD LinkedIn Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician and currently serves as the medical director of an outpatient clinic. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim LinkedIn Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Baby wraps and slings have so many benefits for parents and caregivers. They make skin-to-skin bonding time easier, allow you to carry a fussy baby (and sometimes even a toddler!) around hands-free, make breastfeeding simpler, and give you a break when you need to hold an infant and simultaneously keep other kids entertained. Seriously, a wrap or sling is a must-have item that belongs on every parent’s baby registry! Nkeiruka Orajiaka, MD, board-certified pediatrician, public health physician in Columbus, Ohio, and member of buybuyBABY's Parenting Pros, tells Verywell Family that in addition to soothing a crying infant, baby-wearing keeps your little one safe from unwanted visitors. “People love kids, but while [you're] wearing your baby, they are less likely to come close enough to touch your little one,” she explains. "But be sure you are wearing them the right way and for the right chores to ensure safety." The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends safe baby-wearing for soothing, bonding, and nurturing a baby’s development. A family physician on our Review Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy and integrity around baby wraps and slings and how to evaluate their features. We also kept Dr. Orajiaka's advice in mind while looking at the design, fit, and materials of the baby wraps and slings on the market to make this list. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Boba Baby Wrap Carrier at Amazon Jump to Review Best Runner-Up: CuddleBug Baby Wrap Sling + Carrier at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Outdoor Use: Baby K'tan Active Oasis Baby Carrier at Amazon Jump to Review Best With Ring: Moby Ring Sling at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Nursing: WildBird Linen Baby Sling at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Parents of All Sizes: LÍLLÉbaby Dragonfly Baby Wrap at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: SOLLY BABY Baby Wrap at Amazon Jump to Review Best Organic: Baby K'tan Organic Baby Wrap Carrier at Amazon Jump to Review Best User-Friendly: Baby K'tan Breeze Baby Wrap Carrier at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Boba Baby Wrap Carrier 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Boba.com Pros Machine washable Can be used for children up to 35 pounds Cons Not twin-friendly The Boba Baby Wrap Carrier is our top pick because it can be used immediately after birth and beyond. Available in a wide variety of colors, this baby wrap is great for infants from birth up to 35 pounds. It’s made from super soft and breathable cotton with a little bit of spandex to provide stretch and keep the baby snug and cozy. To use this one-size-fits-most wrap, all you have to do is tie it around your body (using the instructions provided), and you’re ready to go. The wrap is machine washable and is also great for nursing. Price at time of publication: $50 Key Specs:Material: Cotton and spandex | Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 11.5 inches | Weight Limit: 35 pounds Best Runner-Up CuddleBug Baby Wrap Sling + Carrier Amazon View On Amazon Pros Soft High weight limit Cons Thick fabric This wrap sling will keep your baby warm, snug, and comfortable in a soft blend of cotton and spandex. Available in several color options, this carrier promotes parent and baby bonding while supporting your baby’s weight and bone development and also protecting the adult’s back. Babies can safely snuggle up in this wrap from birth until they weigh 35 pounds. Price at time of publication: $50 Key Specs:Material: Cotton and spandex | Dimensions: 177.17 x 19.69 inches | Weight Limit: 35 pounds Best for Outdoor Use Baby K'tan Active Oasis Baby Carrier Courtesy by Amazon View On Amazon View On Babyktan.com Pros Blocks 90% of UVA/UVB rays Multiple wearing positions for baby Machine washable Cons No inclusive sizes Not only is this carrier easy to wear, since it just slips on over the head, but it’s also made from soft moisture-wicking fabric, so it won’t overheat the wearer or the baby. It safely holds babies between 8 and 35 pounds and blocks 90% of UVA and UVB rays, so it’s a great option for outdoor adventures. Adults can carry babies in multiple positions, including forward-facing for the curious little ones. The wrap is safe to toss into the washer and dryer, and it’s ergonomically designed for both the adult and the baby. Price at time of publication: $67 Key Specs: Material: Nylon, polyester, and spandex blend | Dimensions: 8.46 x 2.75 x 8.26 inches | Weight Limit: 8 to 35 pounds Best With Ring Moby Moby Ring Sling Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordstrom Pros Front/hip carrying options Machine washable Cons Not recommended for babies under 8 pounds Tie wraps can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but this one comes with a ring that makes it easy to safely secure your baby and adjust the sling to fit you just right. Adults can carry babies who are between 8 and 33 pounds in either a cradled or hip-sitting position (chances are that'll be on your left hip). It’s made from a soft, breathable fabric and is machine washable. Price at time of publication: $59 Key Specs:Material: Cotton | Dimensions: Not Listed | Weight Limit: 8 to 33 pounds The 8 Best Baby Carriers That Are Built for Comfort Best Budget KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Macy's Pros Budget-friendly Safe for babies up to 35 pounds Cons Rings sold separately for sling use For adults who need a safe and cozy wrap on a budget, this carrier checks all the boxes. It’s available in 11 different color/pattern options and can safely carry babies from birth up to 35 pounds. It’s made from a breathable jersey fabric that is machine washable and has just enough stretch to be comfortable while also keeping the baby in place. It can be converted to wear the baby in a variety of positions, all of which evenly distribute weight to better support the adult’s back. Price at time of publication: $43 Key Specs:Material: Jersey fabric | Dimensions: 202.7 x 21.6 inches | Weight Limit: 35 pounds (maximum) The 6 Best Baby Carriers for Dad of 2023 Best for Nursing WildBird Linen Baby Sling Amazon View On Amazon View On Wildbird.co Pros Soft material Wear with or without ring Doubles as a nursing cover or shade Cons Must be line dried What breastfeeding parent wouldn't appreciate a sling with them in mind? Instead of cotton, this sling is made from 100% linen, giving it a slightly stronger construction that isn’t quite as stretchy but is very breathable. It fits most sizes of adults, thanks to two length options, and babies between newborn to 35 pounds and doubles as a nursing cover or shade for babies. It comes with a ring, which makes it a little easier to maneuver and adjust, and it’s safe to toss into the washer when it gets dirty (but it does need to be line dried). Price at time of publication: $70 Key Specs: Material: Linen | Dimensions: 74 inches or 90 inches (depends on length selected) | Weight Limit: 8 to 35 pounds Best for Parents of All Sizes LÍLLÉbaby Dragonfly Wrap Ergonomic Baby Wrap Amazon View On Amazon Pros Back support Machine washable Size inclusive Cons Not recommended for babies under 8 pounds This carrier fits adults from size 00 to 24 and even has a back panel that is designed to support the wearer’s back while also evenly distributing the baby’s weight. The machine-washable wrap carrier is made to be breathable using 50% cotton and 50% modal fabric. Adults can safely carry babies between 8 and 30 pounds using this carrier, and it comes in various color options. Price at time of publication: $60 Key Specs:Material: Cotton and modal fabric | Dimensions: 0.3 x 20 x 24 inches | Weight Limit: 8 to 30 pounds Best Splurge SOLLY BABY Baby Wrap Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Babylist.com Pros Self-enclosing pocket Silky soft texture Cons Low weight limit This wrap carrier is a little pricier than other options, but that’s because it’s made from 100% Lenzing modal, a fabric made from the pulp of Austrian beechwood trees, which provides a super silky soft texture for baby to curl up and sleep in. It can safely carry babies up to 25 pounds (or around 9 months old) and even has a little self-enclosing pocket on one end so adults can easily pack it up after use. It’s safe for the washer and dryer and is available to purchase in three color options. Price at time of publication: $69Key Specs:Material: Lenzing modal | Dimensions: Not Listed | Weight Limit: 25 pounds (maximum) Best Organic Baby K'tan Organic Baby Wrap Carrier Baby K'tan View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordstrom Pros Organic cotton material Five different positions Cons Not plus-size friendly Not recommended for babies under 8 pounds If you’re looking for a natural option, this carrier by Baby K’Tan is made from 100% organic cotton, which is breathable and super soft. Unlike a lot of wraps with complicated instructions, this one slips over the adult’s head and comes in sizes extra-small through extra-large to ensure a proper fit. You can convert the carrier into five different positions, depending on your baby’s size and development. The carrier is designed to evenly distribute weight to support the adult wearing it. It's also machine washable. Price at time of publication: $70 Key Specs:Material: Organic cotton | Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.5 x 2.8 inches | Weight Limit: 8 to 35 pounds The 18 Best Diaper Bag Backpacks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best User-Friendly Baby K'tan Breeze Baby Wrap Carrier Amazon View On Amazon Pros Adjustable back band Different carrying positions Cons Snug on breasts Baby wearing can be a breeze (literally!) with the Baby K’Tan Breeze Baby Carrier’s user-friendly design. There are no buckles or extra fabric to wrap around your body, and the wrap simply slides on like a T-shirt in three easy steps. It’s safe for babies from 8 to 35 pounds and can be used in different positions, like a carrier or sling. Made with cotton and mesh, this wrap will keep you and baby cool while out and about. It’s designed with parents and caregivers in mind, thanks to its adjustable band. Price at time of publication: $70 Key Specs:Material: Cotton and mesh | Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.5 x 2.8 inches | Weight Limit: 8 to 35 pounds Best Breathable Konny Konny Baby Carrier Amazon View On Amazon Pros Several different size options Small pocket Cons Not dryer safe Weighing less than half a pound and made of cotton, this wrap made of breathable fabric is designed for babies up to 44 pounds. It comes in sizes XXS to 5X, so caregivers can choose what's best for them. It even features a small pocket for the much-needed pacifier or small burp cloth. And when it needs a wash, you can simply toss it into the washer and allow it to air-dry. Price at time of publication: $70 Key Specs:Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 7.76 x 5.2 x 3.7 inches | Weight Limit: 44 pounds (maximum) How We Selected the Best Baby Wraps and Slings We chose the best baby wraps and slings by researching reviews from customers and competitors and examining the features of dozens of baby wraps and slings on the market. We considered design, features, fit, price, ease of cleaning, material, and safety when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Nkeiruka Orajiaka, MD, board-certified pediatrician, public health physician in Columbus, Ohio, and member of buybuyBABY Parenting Pros, for safety recommendations while reviewing guidance from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. What to Look for in Baby Wraps and Slings Breathability Holding your little one close to you for an extended period of time can really crank up the body heat. Opting for a wrap or sling that allows for air to flow easily will help keep you and your baby cool and comfortable while you're using the sling or wrap. Lightweight materials like 100% cotton or airy linen can keep you cooler while baby-wearing. Before you decide to get close, however, talk with your baby’s pediatrician to ensure baby-wearing is safe for your child, recommends Dr. Orajiaka tells Verywell Family. “Some premature babies do not have enough muscle strength to keep their airway open in an unsupported position, so be cautious,” she warns. Fit Just like when you purchase clothes, it's important to find a wrap or sling that fits your body comfortably. Along with keeping your own sizing in mind, you also want to be mindful of how well your little one fits into the wrap or sling; most have weight limits. Dr. Orajiaka recommends doing a try-on in-store, if possible, to find that proper fit. “If possible, it’s best to take your baby with you while shopping for the carrier to make sure it’s their size, and the leg holes are not too small for them to fall out,” she says, adding to also “check for any recalls before purchase.” Dr. Orajiaka explains that when worn properly, wraps and slings can “actually help with development and decrease hip dysplasia” and “does not negatively affect hip development.” “The natural clinging position for infants is the M-position, and this is the recommended position to wear a baby. M-position means, thighs spread over parent’s body, hips bent a little, so the knees are slightly higher than the buttocks with thighs supported,” Dr. Orajiaka explains. “Legs should never be dangling on the sides.” Ease of Use At first glance, wraps and slings can be slightly intimidating, especially when compared to more structured baby carriers or backpacks. Slings and wraps fall on a wide spectrum of difficulty, with some being far easier to use than others. Opting for a version that fits your skill level will help you feel more confident about wearing your little one in a wrap or sling. Using a baby wrap or sling shouldn’t feel like an Olympic sport, so you’ll want to find a wrap or sling that’s easy to use and comfortable. “Maintain the recommended position when placing your baby. That way, you can protect yourself while you also protect your baby,” says Dr. Orajiaka. “Parents should bend at the knees when using baby carriers and not at the waist. This will not only protect your baby from falling out but also protects your back.” Frequently Asked Questions Are baby wraps or slings better? For many people, slings are easier to use than baby wraps. Like most things, it’s a matter of personal preference, so you should choose the option that feels most secure and comfortable for you and your baby. However, it’s also going to depend on the age and weight of your baby, Dr. Orajiaka says. “Wraps are more comfortable during the early weeks or months of your baby’s life. As they get heavier, wraps may not provide as much support,“ she explains. “Wraps are great if you master how to use them accurately to keep your baby protected.”Slings typically fit on one shoulder but can cause problems if the fit isn’t proper by digging into your shoulder, Dr. Orajiaka says. When compared to a wrap, baby slings “offer an easier transition for breastfeeding parents to feed when compared with the other two.” If baby wraps or slings aren’t your thing, you can opt for a baby carrier instead. “Another option is the infant carriers, which seem to be sturdier and take on more weight, hence may be used for longer days,” Dr. Orajiaka tells Verywell Family. “But your baby needs to be up to a certain weight to use a carrier. Also, carriers are a little heavier compared to slings and wraps.”In order to determine the best fit for your family, “decide how long you intend to wear your baby, and what position” while also considering your budget, Dr. Orajiaka suggests.That the right option may change throughout your baby's infancy is just one of many things to know about baby wearing. What baby wrap is best? While our favorite baby wrap is the Boba Baby Wrap Carrier, the best baby wrap for you depends on the age and weight of your baby, how you’d like to carry them—i.e., on your chest or back—and your budget. Stretchy wraps don’t offer as much support as woven wraps, but that makes them more suitable for newborns, as well as easier to use and more comfortable. Woven wraps are sturdier and ideal for front or back carrying. They can be worn in a variety of ways as your child ages. Are slings wraps safe for my newborn? Although many slings are not recommended for babies that weigh less than 8 pounds, certain slings can be safe for newborns as long as you follow the directions and beware of obstructing the baby’s airways: Your baby’s mouth and nose should never be pressed against the sling fabric or your body. What baby sling is best for my newborn? While our favorite sling is the Moby Ring Sling, the best baby sling for you depends on your body size, baby size, and personal preferences. Dr. Orajiaka recommends rings or slings for newborns but adds, “Both require a learning curve to get used to.” Why Trust Verywell Family Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 2-year-old and 5-year-old daughters and an aunt to three nieces and two nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families. 2 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Pediatrics. Baby-wearing. La Leche League International. Baby wearing. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit